Interactive, real-time collaboration tools help both local and global organizations perform better and more efficiently, and support business development and growth. With the increased performance and productivity these solutions bring, a range of mobile and desktop applications are now available, and it’s no wonder shrewd businesses are taking advantage of these tools. Though adoption of collaboration platforms has been slow as compared to that of social tools, the IDC believes the market will hit $3.5 billion by 2019 – an annual growth rate of 19%. Industry leaders are honing their tools and platforms to maximize customer satisfaction and business expansion, so ensuring you’re getting the most from your chosen provider is a must.
The backbone of any collaboration tool, enhanced communication processes allow team members to discuss particular projects or narrow their focus to multi-member tasks.
Instant communication via chat, voice and video is a must, as well as the tools to share files and communicate project updates. The best tools provide the facilities to keep track of a range of details within a project while keeping relevant team members adequately informed of progress every step of the way.
Treating projects as a continuum rather than a static task, collaboration platforms track all communication and organize pertinent information, providing access only to those involved. Relying only on emailing and meetings often leads to misunderstandings or delays and increases the stress level for the entire team.
A quality collaboration platform, however, ensures team members always stay in the loop while keeping the annoying interruptions away, thus providing agility and flexibility to the users and increasing productivity.
Collaboration tools decrease the number of meetings required, freeing users up to work toward project goals instead of merely discussing them. With the constant connection and up-to-date knowledge provided, collaboration software allows for a suitable level of transparency ensuring that necessary meetings are efficient and that time isn’t wasted bringing people up to speed. Faster decision-making, time saving, and adroit teamwork promise increased productivity.
Of course, to be truly effective, the collaboration platform you choose needs to offer extensive availability and accessibility. Choosing between a web-based or desktop app comes down to the needs of the team as well as their personal comfort levels with different platforms. While web-based platforms offer mobility and instant updating, many users prefer the seamless environment of a desktop app.
With the array of business tools we’re all trying to keep track of, not to mention the social networks we have a hard time escaping from, a unified collaboration platform helps alleviate the anxiety of constantly trying to stay informed while improving focus. Better still, a user-friendly and personable collaboration tool promises a superior user experience thus ensuring motivated and effective teamwork. Take Hubgets, for example. Hubgets is a cloud service that centralizes information and facilitates collaboration between teams through secure and private chat, voice and video communication. Designed to create and sustain a collaborative work environment, Hubgets enables teams to connect in real-time and work with minimal disruption.
By Jennifer Klostermann
